Looking for a wrist support that keeps your fingers under the ball.  Which support do you have an why?  Any ideas for me?
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Justin
Bowling Boards

I like the Mongoose Equalizer because it's small, comfortable, and very cost effective because they last forever.


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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

There are many, many choices among wrist braces. Soft, hard, long short, stiff and adjustable. I've learned from personal experience that there are too many variables in bowler and brace to make sweeping recommendations. However, this is the list of braces I own:

Mongoose Equalizer
Mongoose Lifter
Mongoose Optimum
Ebonite Striker
Storm Xtra-Roll
Storm Gadget
Robby Revs I
Robby Revs II

If you want a good sampling different brace types, I'd look at the Equalizer, Lifter, and Revs II. I'm not a huge fan of the the largest and most restrictive type braces (Gadget and Revs I for me), so I wouldn't recommend going down that path until you've written off the less restrictive types.

You can stare at them and hear other bowler opinions, but there is no substitute for trying them out and deciding through trial and error. Assuming you'll stay with a brace, it's worth the investment to buy and try out a few different types.

BTW, I'm currently rotating between the Storm Xtra-Roll and Robby Revs II depending on what I'm trying to accomplish and lane condition. When I want to stay further under the ball for more hook, I'll go with the Revs. When conditions are more toasty and I need greater release versatility, the Xtra-Roll is more useful. But again, it's individual preference.

Compared to the Revs II, the Revs I has longer finger support. I don't have the two in front of me, but I also believe the Revs I extends a slight bit further down the arm. It's mostly the longer finger support I find more more restrictive. It's personal preference, but I like the little extra finger freedom provided on the shorter Revs II.  

The Equalizer and Lifter are just completely different animals. The Equalizer is small and attaches across the palm. It still provides for a lot of freedom in release. The Lifter does come higher up the fingers, but the strap attaches at the base of the fingers and restricts you from any cupping of the ball. The Optimum is a Lifter with the addition of a strap across the palm.  

You can think of the Xtra-Roll as a larger and more restrictive/supportive version of the Equalizer. It straps across the palm like the Equalizer, but has longer finger and forearm support. I'm able to get more on the ball with the Xtra-Roll than I can with the Equalizer, so for me the Xtra-Roll gets much more use. But again, it depends on your objectives.  

Based on your personal description, I'd look at either the Storm Xtra-Roll or the Mongoose Lifter.

For a brace with a palm strap, the Xtra-Roll will probably give you a little more support than the Sportcast.

The Lifter straps at the base of the fingers without a palm strap. It's a completely different sensation than a palm strap brace. It's a love it or hate it kind of feel. But it will keep your hand in a good leverage position at release.

I think either one would help meet your objective for a more consistent release. I'd recommend the Xtra-Roll only because it feels more natural. But if you know anyone with either a Lifter or an Xtra-Roll, ask if you can try it out for a game or so. That's the best way to know for sure.

Justin,

Sorry. Been gone all day. The Equalizer is intended to help create roll. The Lifter is popular, but I prefer the strap across the palm and the shorter overall brace of the Equalizer.

Last time I checked Mongoose products are not PBA approved, which usually means they didn't want to pay the associated fee - not because one company's product is better than another.


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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Strike: I understand the PBA approved thing. So if you try the Lifter and decide you like the feel of the strap around the fingers, you can also pick up an Ebonite Striker. The Striker has the same design as the Lifter, but because it's from Ebonite, you can use it in a Regional.

I had the same dilemma for a Regional last year, so I bought a Striker. It's not the same quality or exactness of fit and the Lifter, but close enough. BTW, if you experiment with braces, you'll find Mongoose makes the highest quality and most comfortable products available.  

It looks like Ebonite is discontinuing the Striker, but you should be able to find them online for a while longer. Good luck with whatever direction you go in. Let us know what you end up doing.

Edited on 9/15/2009 11:52 AM

i used to like the eagal from cobra but the switched to a pro release..

THe switch felt like i was try'n to bowl with a boxing glove but i got use to the size and now if i use a brace the pro release is the only one.